News

Widener University Commonwealth Law School is making a significant impact on student success with the grand opening of the Phi Alpha Delta, or PAD, Professional Closet on October 23. The new, donation-based initiative is designed to provide law students with access to professional attire, easing some of the financial burdens that come with preparing for internships, interviews, and courtroom appearances.

Nicholas Kahler, justice of Phi Alpha Delta, spearheaded the project alongside his fraternity peers over the summer. Their goal: to help fellow students feel confident and prepared as they step into the legal world.

“It is a free professional wear closet for all law students at Widener Law Commonwealth,” Kahler said. “When you look nice, you feel nice. Giving students the ability to have professional wear and go out to those kinds of events will give people the confidence they need to make those lasting connections.”

The closet, located within the student organization building, offers law students suits, ties, slacks, shoes, and other professional wear at no cost. PAD is collecting new or gently used business attire at the law school’s library and at the Dauphin County Bar Association in Harrisburg. The group hopes to eventually add a quick rental section for students needing attire for a day.

“We saw the need on campus for this,” said PAD Treasurer Kira Meager. “Going into the courtroom requires a jacket, but the expense is so great for these items. We knew there was a need.”

Second-year student Alyse Thompson agrees. “I think it’s something we desperately needed,” she said. “Looking your best when you’re in front of a judge, a court, or an employer impacts your confidence. So much of your ability to speak in front of people comes from the way you feel and look.”

The Professional Closet reflects the law school’s commitment to supporting students both academically and professionally.

“When you come to Widener or any law school for that matter, they always tell you that you need professional clothing,” said Benjamin McFadden, PAD clerk. “You need to have an outfit for an interview, for the court system, for any type of event that requires us to go in front of other attorneys.”

McFadden added that the initiative fills an important gap for students. “Not everybody has the means off the bat to have a suit or a nice dress for these kinds of things. But everyone is capable of it if they’re given those tools. That’s what we can provide — the students of Commonwealth who don’t have that.”

Beyond easing financial strain, the PAD closet is also about fostering a sense of community and belonging at the law school.

“It feels wonderful to do this with people I’ve grown close with at school,” Meager added. “Knowing that all of us came together and turned this idea into a room full of clothes is so fulfilling.”

First-year law student Lelah Tehmeh echoed the sentiment, noting how the initiative reflects the school’s commitment to its students. “Just to have that resource on campus is such a relief. A lot of us don’t have the financial means because we’re students,” Tehmeh said. “It feels like our school cares about us and wants us to present well to society.”

For now, Phi Alpha Delta is making a difference one piece of clothing at a time, empowering students as they launch their legal careers. Those wishing to donate professional wear can drop off items at the law school library or the Dauphin County Bar Association located at 213 N. Front Street in Harrisburg between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays.

“We're excited to see the impact this will have on students,” Kahler said. “Whether they need something just for the day or for their own closet, we're here to support them.”